Expelling fear and why we experience it:[1] The Baal Shem Tov stated: One who is overcome by sudden external fear is receiving from the right hand of Hashem. Hashem sends him this fear in order so he come to an inner fear of Hashem. Furthermore, when one recognizes that the […]
Sefeikos in Emuna
Sefeikos in Emuna:[1] It is natural for the animal soul to challenge a person with Sfeikos in Emuna. These seemingly innocent inetlectual questions are in truth the working of Sitra Achra, as the soul of a Jew remains constantly truthful to Hashem and never has any doubts. The Siotra Acchra […]
The laws of reading Megillah
Summary of the laws of reading Megillah: Who is obligated in the Megillah reading? Every Jew is obligated in the Megillah reading. This obligation includes women. Children [boys and girls, who have reached the age of Chinuch], are educated to hear the Megillah once by night and once by […]
Missed a word during the reading of Megillah
One who missed a word or part of the reading?[1] The reader must read every word of the Megillah.[2] If he skipped a verse[3], or even one word[4], or even one letter[5], he and the congregation do not fulfill their obligation. The same applies for the listener; if he […]
Marbim Besimcha
Marbim Besimcha:[1] One is to increase in joy throughout the month of Adar.[2] [Hence one is to rejoice himself, his wife and children during this month, similar to the Mitzvah of rejoicing them on Yom Tov.[3] Included in this Mitzvah is increasing in all matters that give one joy.[4] However […]
Blessing on gum
Blessing on gum:[1] One recites a blessing of Shehakol over flavored gum.[2] _______________________________________________________________ [1] Beir Moshe 2/12; Kinyan Torah 5/17; Yabia Omer 7/33; Piskeiy Teshuvos 202/34 Other opinions: Some Poskim rule a blessing is not recited upon chewing gum. [Yaskil Avdi 8/7] [2] The reason: As one benefits from its […]
Shiur of Bracha Rishona
Shiur of Bracha Rishona:[1] There is no required measurement of food that must be consumed for the recital of a before blessing prior to eating or drinking, and thus even a mere taste of a minute amount of food requires a blessing to be said beforehand.[2] [This however only applies […]
Said Borei Nefashos instead of Mieyn Shalosh/Al Hamichya/Al Hapeiros/Al Hagafen
Said Borei Nefashos instead of Mieyn Shalosh/Al Hamichya/Al Hapeiros/Al Hagafen:[1] One who said the after blessing of Borei Nefashos Rabos in place of the after blessing of Meiyn Shalosh [i.e. Al Hamichyah/Al Hapeiros/Al Hagfen] does not fulfil his obligation and is hence obligated to repeat the blessing of Borei Nefashos. […]
False humility/Bittul
False humility/Bittul:[1] There exists a false type of humility which is called Reuma. The verse[2] states that Reuma was a Pilegesh. The term Reuma is made up of two words, Reu/see and Mah/what. It means to call attention to one’s level of Mah, Bittul, humility. One who has humility simply […]
Gam Zu Letova verses Letav Avdin
Gam Zu Letova verses Letav Avdin:[1] The Gemara[2] states that every person is to accustom himself to recite “Kol Mah Deavdin Min Shemaya Letav Avdin/Whatever is done from Heaven is done for the good”, as was seen with the story with Rebbe Akiva. Elesewhere, the Gemara[3] states that Nachum Ish […]
